Great experience! Highly recommended! Past Review

By (Tulane University) - abroad from 01/07/2017 to 08/28/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Malaysia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned SO MUCH in the marine science a-level class. Coming from a political economy background, I decided to take the class to get some baseline knowledge on the oceanic environment before starting my divemaster. It was unlike any course I have taken before, being surrounded by the environment I was studying and having a truly hands on education in the subject. My teachers were very devoted to helping me learn all of the information I needed. We had practicals, gave presentations, and had very personalized teaching. While I was taking the course, I was also able to participate in work dives and conservation work each day which was great. In March, we went on a road trip to Brunei, which was a really cool experience. We got to travel through Borneo, learning about the history of Malaysia and its long economic ties to the oceans. Each morning we would visit fish markets and learn about sustainable or unsustainable fishing practices that we saw. The final exams were held in Kota Kinabalu, and the TRACC team made sure we have plenty of time for intense study before the test. I highly recommend taking this course at TRACC if you are doing your A-levels. I would also recommend for anyone like myself who is a diver or simple interested in learning the basics of marine science, to take the course with TRACC as well! Unforgettable experience! Beyond just the course, the people and community at TRACC far surpassed my expectations. Not only was I living on a tropical paradise, getting to dive every day, I was with a group of like-minded, engaging and genuine people. Everyone here is working to make a difference in the world in whichever little way they can, and have come together to set their minds to truly honest conservation projects at TRACC. Getting to do my divemaster here was better then I could have expected. It was very fulfilling working with divers for a few weeks at a time and helping them to improve their dive skills and establishing a dive relationship with our volunteers. Just sitting around each night chatting and getting to know everyone who came through camp was such a value add to both my A-level course and divemaster course. I cannot thank TRACC enough for everything I learned. TRACC will always feel like home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Location
  • Content
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with management at times
  • Study Materials (however a textbook just came out for the course)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? An updated kit list with a few different things on it. There is a pharmacy in Semporna, so more access to health facilities than I expected.